GDLive Newsfeed
We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Serah's Profile
Serah's family
Serah
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Other
faceAge:
88
workCampaign
Kenya Large Transfer
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($361 USD)
access_time 11 months ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Looking ahead, my plan is to complete the renovations on my house by constructing strong stone-walled pillars around the premises. This will enhance the safety and stability of the house, providing me with peace of mind and ensuring my well-being. I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the financial assistance I have received thus far through the transfers.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
GiveDirectly has proven to be a reliable source of support, and I encourage them to continue their impactful work, ensuring that those in need receive the help they truly deserve.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I prioritized improving the condition of my house and allocated a significant portion of my funds towards this endeavor. One of the walls of my house collapsed due to heavy rains, and I lacked the financial means to construct a new one. However, upon receiving the transfers, I utilized a total of $230 to repair and restore my dilapidated house. This involved purchasing bags of cement, a lorry of sand and stones, as well as paying labor fees for the construction work. Additionally, I had long desired to have a toilet, but financial constraints prevented me from doing so. With $110, I successfully built a modern toilet. The remaining amount of $119 was dedicated to purchasing food, ensuring that I and my family never had to sleep on empty stomachs. The transfers have been instrumental in improving our living conditions, and I am immensely grateful for this support.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($376 USD)
access_time 1 year ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
One sunny morning, I heard whispers of neighbors receiving their first transfers from GiveDirectly. Since we were registered on the same day, my curiosity got the best of me. I asked my grandson, who had come for a visit, to carefully inspect my phone for any notifications. As he peered into the screen, his eyes lit up, and a smile broke across his face. "Grandma," he exclaimed, "the money came in yesterday!" My heart soared with happiness. The burden that my son had carried for so long, struggling with sporadic jobs just to provide for us, suddenly felt lighter. I couldn't contain my joy and started dancing, grateful that this small lifeline had given my hardworking son a chance to finally take a well-deserved rest.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
Before the money came from GiveDirectly, my rental houses were a real struggle. They were falling apart, and even when I lowered the rent, tenants didn't want to stay because they were worried about safety. But things took a turn for the better after that first transfer. I used the money to fix up the houses. I built strong pillars and even gave the floors a fresh coat of cement. Now, I've got college students living there, and they're comfortable! What's more, these rental houses are my family's lifeline. They're the only income I have to cover all our expenses. It's amazing how one little bit of help changed my life so much.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I couldn't believe my luck when I received the cash transfer from GiveDirectly. With three old, worn-out mud-walled rental houses to my name, I knew exactly what I needed to do. First things first, I spent $56 on 8 bags of sturdy cement, $160 on a truckload of hardcore, and $110 on a pile of building sand. Then, I hired a skilled contractor for $100 to help me bring my vision to life. My goal was to renovate those houses and make them safe and secure for my tenants, who happened to be students from the nearby technical college. With the materials I purchased, I constructed strong pillars and cemented the floors, transforming those once-dingy rooms into comfy, secure homes. The students were overjoyed with the improvements, and it warmed my heart to see them happy. With $120 left, I set it aside for my family's expenses, knowing that this cash transfer had not only improved my properties but also brought much-needed relief to our household.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 1 year ago
 
What do you plan to do with the cash transfer?
The thought of giving us cash is a great boost to me as a widow. Since I have a rental house with 4 rooms but its condition is pathetic. Receiving this money means making it better to attract tenants. At the moment, it also lacks a toilet which is a very important structure for a rental house. With this money, I intend to spend a big portion of it to ensure this is done. My estimation ranges between $800 to $850 to make it a reality. This will act as my reliable source of income to avoid depending on my children. The remaining amount will help me to cater to other basic needs like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
At the beginning of January this year, a house for my sister-in-law from the extended family collapsed. Since I stay alone, I requested her to be spending her nights with me. This brought relief to me because I was so stressed living in this compound alone. The stories we usually have at night make me feel comforted and this is what has been giving my life meaning.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
As a widow, life has never been easy for me because I am aged (88 years) and this means I am no longer energetic to take up a task. In addition, my children stay away from home something that has compelled me to live alone. They normally come to check on me once a month. The stress of doing all the household chores by myself has robbed away my joy and has made me more vulnerable to many risks. Taking up all the tasks tends to be tough and hence, the lack of support is what I consider to be my biggest challenge.